REVIEW: Action Comics #1008

March 1, 2019

Another issue of Action Comics is finally upon us brought to us by the
superstar creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Epting. Leviathan are
really starting to reign the destruction down upon the DC Universe. But just
who will they target next? Before we find out lets checkout the covers for this
issue.

Steve Epting perhaps best known for his work on Captain America, which received critical acclaim took real inspiration from the international thriller and espionage genre. This genre and the artwork normally associated with this type of storytelling goes hand in hand with Steve Epting’s style specifically his covers, none more so than for this very issue. Jimmy being surrounded at gun point by various individuals representing their chosen organisation, whilst standing on Superman’s crest really reminds me of a James Bond title sequence. I love this approach considering so far this story arc is all about secrets, mystery and shadowy agencies, all common tropes in the spy genre.

The variant cover for this issue takes us out of the spy genre and straight into the modern-day comic book cinematic blockbuster, as Superman takes flight in space. The likeness of this Superman depicted on the cover is definitely inspired by Henry Cavill. Arguably one of the most popular and beloved actors to take on the Man of Steel. This fantastic cover is created by Jeff Dekal. I’m a huge fan of Henry Cavill and a huge advocate of the actor to perform the role once again. If this kind of representation is all we get for now, then I need to see MORE!

Action Comics #1008 starts up with a very intriguing opening page. The page
is completely taken up by a small segment of what appears to be a pin board
filled with photos, documentation and post it notes filled with ‘DC Comics
Easter Eggs’. From the Checkmate and Kobra Cult insignia, to lists of names
indelibly etched into the annals of DC Comics lore. To me this clearly belongs
to the group known as Leviathan and is part of their research and investigation
into their chosen targets. This group appears to be highly organised and very
well prepared. The information that really caught my eye on this page was the
list that appears to be chronicling DC Comics biggest and most well-known and destructive
events. This is very intriguing as this indicates that Leviathan must have a
working knowledge of what came before Flashpoint, or indeed memory of the
continuity prior to The New 52 era. ‘The Infinite Crisis’, ‘The Convergence’
and ‘The Flashpoint Crisis’ are just some of what features on this list. This
of course is all speculation but is very exciting stuff none-the-less. I’m
already very intrigued and invested in this shadowy group.

Like the last issue, the pace of this issue is lightning quick. We find ourselves
at The D.E.O (Department of Extranormal Operations) headquarters where Director
Bones is meeting Adam Strange about potential employment, however they are
abruptly halted by the appearance of a shadowy figure with silhouette very
similar to that of Doomsday. What soon follows can only be best described as
complete and utter devastation, like that seen in the last issue when Kobra’s
headquarters was destroyed to be coined a coincidence. The destruction depicted
within these pages is vast and panoramic. I adore the use of ‘Kirby Krackle’
when depicting the ensuing explosion. The blue hue enveloping the explosion
gives it a real alien feel that only adds to the mystery behind these attacks.
‘Kirby Krackle’ is an artistic method created by Jack Kirby to interpret energy
in its many forms. ‘Kirby Krackle’ is an integral part of Jack Kirby’ Fourth
World. Could it be the New Gods of New Genesis or Apocalypse be behind
Leviathan?

The story moves swiftly on to a clandestine encounter between Amanda Waller
currently MIA and General Sam Lane. After briefly discussing the events
currently occurring in regard to the obliteration of Kobra, the D.E.O and the
attempt on her own life, Amanda Waller admits to the sobering realisation that
this is indeed a coordinated strike. However the pair soon discover that they
have been set up. This sequence of events ends on a real cliffhanger. I
absolutely adored this exchange between these two characters who have both seen
way too much and have given up everything in the service of their country. Both
characters really are cut from the same cloth and both have had to one way or
another sever ties with those they hold dearest. Amanda Waller stays on brand
throughout this encounter but its Sam Lane who I believe has made the biggest breakthrough
regarding his feelings, which tie into his last encounter with Lois. The man’s
honesty and ability to admit he may be wrong regarding certain ways of thinking
in his life is truly palpable.

As we are left wondering about the fates of Sam Lane and Amanda Waller, we
are transported back to Metropolis as Superman escorts Lois back to the Daily
planet for her triumphant return. This whole sequence of events is played out
in very muted fashion considering the shroud of mystery she left in. However, I’m
sure Lois will have questions to answer certainly from Perry White in future
issues. I did really enjoy Lois’s words of encouragement towards Robinson
Goode. Very on brand for the character and I’m very excited to see where this
dynamic leads them. Of course, the real reason behind Lois return to the planet
is Jimmy Olsen. Jimmy is clearly shook up and suffering from shock after his
ordeal and narrow escape from the now destroyed Kobra cult headquarters. His
chipper disposition in the face of such harrowing odds is quintessential Jimmy
Olsen. The dialogue between himself and Lois and later toward Clark is totally
heartwarming. You can feel there is a real friendship here, a real love and
trust between these characters. I loved the fact that Jimmy was hiding under
Lois desk, and that Lois and Clark both joined him on the floor no questions
asked. This was such an understated yet tender moment that encapsulates what
kind of people Lois and Clark are. As the conversation continues Clark begins
to create a link between what he experienced when rescuing Amanda Waller, and
what Jimmy encountered at Kobra HQ – all thanks to Jimmy’ recollections.

As the issue comes to a close the reader finally discovers the fate of Sam
Lane and Amanda Waller while Clark starts to truly understand the severity of
what he and his allies face. As I said before, Action Comics #1008 is fast
paced and a very quick read. Like the previous issue Superman is hardly
featured, and for me it actually works, as Bendis really is laying a strong
foundation for Leviathan and their impact on the DC Universe. Steve Epting’s
artwork in this issue is superb especially when it comes to destruction. However
the quiet tender scenes depicting Jimmy, Lois and Clark were simply gorgeous.
Lois’s body positioning alongside Jimmy while under her desk gave off a very maternal
feel. I felt that Bendis really got to the emotional core of our characters in
this issue and delivered some quintessential moments specifically from Lois.
Sam Lane had some really nice moments in this issue too and maybe, just maybe
has really changed for the better in regard to Lois and her family. Without a
doubt, Leviathan are a very dangerous organisation. I feel Bendis really has
allowed this group to breath and cause some serious damage. Raising the stakes
really is the way to go for me, and I have to say I’m totally invested.

This issue is another very strong build. Leviathan are a highly dangerous
motivated group and I can’t wait to see what they do next.